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Little bubbles did the wave at the bottom of the screen as my blackmailer typed.
You could do better. But for now, you’re safe. Just keep Molly happy.
I furrowed my brow at the ludicrous text and sent a passive aggressive thumbs up. This person obviously didn’t realize that no person is capable of making someone truly happy. The only person responsible for maintaining happiness is yourself. Sure other people can make you feel happy, but that’s fleeting and not guaranteed. I had learned that the hard way.
A few minutes later, Hailey came walking into the kitchen face buried in her phone.
“All set?” I asked and she looked up, tucking her phone in her back pocket, with a smile on her face.
“Yes. Let’s go.”
The diner was busy, it was a Sunday afternoon after all. But we managed to snag a booth.
"Do you think Molly likes bowling? Or maybe we could all go to the movies?" Hailey rattled on after the waitress left with our order.
I shifted uncomfortably as she gushed over fun hypothetical outings the three of us could partake in, seemingly cementing Molly solidly into our family activities. Caution roared warnings within my mind even as I privately delighted in thought.
"I'm... not sure if or when Molly can join in on stuff. Besides, I value getting dad-daughter time," I deflected awkwardly, glancing anywhere but Hailey's curious gaze.
She huffed dramatically. "Fine, but you should find out. I want to hang out with her more. She's so cool and listens and stuff.
“Hey, I listen,” I said defensively.
“Yeah, I know. But you only do it because it’s your job as my boring dad..."
I rolled my eyes even though I was amused. "Boring? I think you meant dashingly charming, maybe?"
Our food arrived sparing me from further Molly talk. But Hailey's growing attachment nagged me. I had to take care of her impressionable young heart if things with Molly and I didn't become more permanent.
After the meal, we took a walk-through town. The streets were lined with cute shops and the air smelled of fresh bread.
"Can we stop at the bookstore?" Hailey asked as we passed by.
"Sure, come on."
We walked inside the old store. It smelled like books and coffee. It was cozy and quiet.
"Hey, Jake. Hey, Hailey!" Ben the store owner called from behind the counter. Hailey waved her greeting and wandered off toward the YA section, leaving me alone. I had graduated high school with Ben’s youngest son, and he’d taken to treating me like one of his own kids over the years, though I had never reciprocated the feeling.
"Hey, Ben, how's it going?"
"Can't complain. Kathy hasn’t tired of me yet." he said with a raspy laugh, his worn hands straightening the bric-a-brac for sale near the register. Ben and Kathy were high school sweethearts who managed to make staying in love seem so easy. Nat and I had planned to be just like them once upon a time. But obviously, she hadn’t meant it.
"How are your folks doing? And when's Amy gettin' back? She ought to be due soon right?" He leaned over the counter, propping himself up on his elbows.
It seemed strange that I wasn’t really close with many people in this town, but people still seemed to know everybody’s business. “Folks are good, soaking up all the sun they can get. Amy and Pat will be back next month, shortly before she's due.”
"Nice, I'm glad to hear it. Now what’s this I hear about you and Molly going steady?" The outdated phrase made me cringe, but I think I hid it well enough.
“Uh, not much to say. We just started seeing each other recently.” I rubbed the back of my neck, hoping he wouldn’t pry too much.
“Well, that’s good, after all that business with...” he mouthed ‘Natasha’ like her name was a swear word. “You deserve some happiness, and you couldn’t have picked a lovelier lady. I got a good feeling about you two. You know they say opposites attract.”
I smiled in reply. I couldn’t think of anything else to say. He seemed to pick up on my discomfort well enough and tapped on the counter as he straightened. “Well, you let me know if you need anything."
With a nod, I said, "Will do," and went to browse the shelves to ward off any more unwanted conversations. The first book I stumbled across read Love Lessons.
"No way," I muttered and flipped through the pages. It was a story about a high school teacher who falls for a student. Who reads this shit? Needless to say, I put it back on the shelf.
